How to Crack the IT Interview 100% free ultimate FAQ in 2023

Cracking the IT Interview - FAQ

It answers many of the basic doubts of the students and freshers. These FAQ also clear a few misconceptions about attending interview. 

What skills do IT companies look for in potentials candidates?

IT companies focus on many technical and soft skills in candidates. In soft skills, communication skills are extremely important. Other soft skills include presentation skills, teamwork, Writing skills, etc. In technical skills, Companies expect the candidates to have good knowledge in the field of their graduation

For computer science students, Evergreen technical skills are C, Linux/Unix, operating systems and networking. Candidates with these abilities are likely to have greater opportunities of getting a job.

When should I start preparing for placements?

It is preferable to begin preparing for soft skills one year prior to the start of placements. Focusing on technical abilities from the first year onwards is beneficial. Otherwise, one year before placements, you can begin reviewing crucial subjects from a placements standpoint.

What is the difference between a CV and a resume?

A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a professional document that encapsulates your work history, education, and skills. It provides the academic details of the student. A resume is prepared by a person having work experience, which emphasizes job history and on- the- job skills and experience.

What information should or should not be there in my CV?

 The Objective, personal strengths, academic background, academic achievements (if any), extracurricular activities, Project details, areas of interest, and personal and contact information are all elements of a strong CV. It should ideally be 2-3 pages long.

 

The following are some characteristics of a terrible CV: too complicated formatting or styles; typos, grammatical errors; either too short or too long (1 page). or very long (> 3 pages); too much personal details (e.g., parent's occupation, 3rd consolation medal in Rangoli competition); a list of flaws, and so on.

How detailed should the CV or resume be?

The CV or resume should ideally have adequate details about one’s job history or academic details, - project details and achievements.

 

The job history should be in reverse chronological sequence, starting with the most recent job experience and ending with the information of the first job,including the firm name, role/position, and years worked (preferably with joining and leaving dates).

 

The academic information should include the college/university, course, and graduation year. Percentages/CGPA.etc. The title, location, software mostly used, and a brief description of the project should all be included in the project details.Other categories could be brief and to-the-point. 

How should I prepare for written tests?

To prepare for written tests, the following should be taken care of :

 

1. Know the general format of the question papers from IT companies. Typically, most of the IT companies consider some or all of the following topics:

•  Programming aptitude (C, data structures, algorithms, etc
• Quantitative aptitude
• Analytical ability
• Reasoning (logical. critical. etc)
• Verbal skills (synonyms, grammar, composition, etc
•  Puzzles

2. Try solving previous years’ question papers

 

3. Attempting to solve previous years’ sample question papers is very important. This helps you know where you stand, get experience in answering questions quickly in the actual written test and in general, become confident of passing the written test.

4. Read relevant books:

•  GRE(Barron's guide)
•  R.S.Aggarwal's aptitude books (quantitative aptitude, reasoning, etc)
• Shakuntala Devi's puzzle books ('Puzzles to, Puzzle You', 'More Puzzles to Puzzle You', etc Technical books ('Let us C', etc.)

How should I prepare for attending an interview?

In the first place, know the basic details about the company­­­-its main business, Size, etc. If possible, visit the company's website and get to know the general details about the company. When related questions are asked in the interview, this helps to indicate that you are interested in the company. 

 An experienced job seeker should be familiar with the present position he is applying for (the job profile), what is required of a person in that position, and how he can fit into that role. Your attitude is a crucial factor in acing the interview (i.e., how you present yourself). Show a keen interest in the interviewer, pay attention, and pay attention to the interviewer. Other aspects to look out for are eye contact, body language, appearance. Way of speaking, showing respect, etc. Also, be on time for the interview (e.g., start early if traffic jams are common in your city).

How many rounds in interviews do I have to clear to get a Job?

It is usually a minimum of two interviews: a technical interview and an HR interview. In other cases (e.g., if the company you've applied to is in another city or country); a telephonic interview may be conducted before calling them for face-to-face interviews. In most of the Indian IT companies and MNCs that are product-based, there will be multiple technical interviews. Unless the hiring company is satisfied with your technical skills (and communication skills) and you clear the HR interview, you cannot get the job. Your social status may not have any impact in the interviews. .

Why do companies have an HR interview in addition to technical interview(s)?

The HR interview has two objectives-(1) to check if you're eligible for the organization; and (2) to check if your requirements should match the organization. If you have good communication skills, a friendly personality, a positive attitude, and keen interest in learning and contributing, and in addition, if you're an effective team player and it is likely that you'll stay for at least a few years, it's most likely that you will be beneficial to the organization. An HR interview is intended to check all these aspects. In other words, an HR Interview checks your soft skills, attitude, and if you're the 'right fit' for the company.

Why is an HR interview important?

Simple-only if you clear this interview. You’ll get a job! Also, if you get the job, the HR department of course, after consulting with the manager of the team for which you're hired, decides the salary you'll get, your roles and responsibilities, etc.

I am a class topper. Should I attend only selective companies in our campus interviews because I am sure to get a Job..?

 

You're overconfident and this can ruin your chances of getting a job. Being a class topper clearly allows you a superior opportunity of finding a new line of work. But remember, the skills and talents are required for getting a job, not high marks. It is more chance to get a job first and then start being selective about your 'dream company', which you may want to join as a second Job.  Also,  if you're selective, you lose opportunities to attempt written tests and interviews and hence when your 'dream company’ comes for placement, you’ll  be ill-prepared for it.

I got a Job, but I did not get a call to join the company. Should I keep on waiting indefinitely?

 

Don't worry. If the work climate is terrible, it is normal that your joining date can be very late (in some cases, the delay can be more than a year!). Stay in contact with the HR department of the concerned company and get to know the status from other candidates who have got placed in that company. Explore other alternatives: search for another job (who knows, you might be destined for a better job!); join some job-oriented courses; do certifications in the areas of your interest....

That brings me to another question. Do certifications help in getting a Job?

 

Yes. Today certifications are a successful key to exhibit your ability in a specific specialized space. Getting relevant, valuable certifications can significantly improve your chances of getting a well-paid job.